Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.

The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.

The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.

“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.

The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has officially emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2027 general elections, following the party’s presidential primaries held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The development marks Sowore’s third consecutive bid for the presidency under the party he founded, underscoring his persistence in offering Nigerians an alternative to the nation’s mainstream political landscape.

In a statement during the primaries, Kayode Babayemi, chairman of the AAC primary election committee, said Sowore’s adoption reflected the party’s confidence in his commitment to justice, democracy, and good governance.

Accepting his nomination, Sowore described the AAC as “the only genuine opposition in Nigeria”.

He declared, “This year, our party turns eight years old. As the only registered socialist party in Nigeria, we have stood firm as a moral and ideological alternative to the criminal conspiracy that other parties disguise as democracy.”

He added, “This is the party of the most courageous people on the continent. We are unafraid and unwavering. We speak the truth as it is, regardless of whose ox is gored.”

Sowore vowed to address Nigeria’s unemployment, corruption, incompetence, and rising crime, insisting that the AAC remains committed to offering Nigerians a credible path to revolutionary change.

He dismissed claims that the party lacked structure, noting that delegates from across the country demonstrated the AAC’s functional nationwide network.

Following the primaries, Sowore formally stepped down as the AAC national chairman, paving the way for new leadership.

The party announced on its official X handle: “Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC). The party hereby welcomes Samuel Ajeigbe as the new National Chairman of our great party.”

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State on Thursday applauded its members for what it described as their peaceful, mature and orderly conduct during the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying they deserved commendation for sustaining internal democracy.

The party also disclosed that it had commenced moves to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders following the conclusion of the fourth phase of its scheduled primaries, including the governorship primary held on Thursday.

The governorship primary, which featured 11 aspirants cleared by the party’s national leadership, marked another milestone in the Oyo APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections as it intensifies efforts to reclaim power in the state.

In a statement issued in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the conduct displayed by members throughout the exercise would remain memorable, adding that no amount of commendation would be enough to appreciate their sense of responsibility and commitment.

The statement partly read, “Against all odds, members of Oyo APC demonstrated a high sense of maturity and commitment in choosing party candidates for various elective offices, including the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship positions.

“Not a few political watchers doubted the ability of any political party to conduct successful and hitch-free direct primaries for known reasons, but our great party has proved them wrong.”

The party acknowledged that some complaints and grievances had emerged from aspirants and stakeholders after the primaries but assured members that no individual would be sidelined in the affairs of the party.

“We are aware of complaints and grievances from some aspirants and stakeholders, but no individual leader or member will be taken for granted because we recognise the fact that most complainants are progressive-minded persons with passion for democracy and good governance,” the statement added.

The APC further described its direct primary process as evidence of its commitment to grassroots participation and democratic values, insisting that the exercise distinguished it from other political parties.

“Going by the current situation in the political space across the country, we in the APC have further shown that we are the only democrats around. With the success recorded so far in the conduct of our direct primaries, there is no doubt that our great party is committed to deepening democracy by involving people at the grassroots in the selection of candidates,” it stated.

The party, however, admitted that the process was not entirely flawless but maintained that stakeholders, especially members at the grassroots, deserved recognition for their dedication, loyalty and team spirit.

It noted that as a democratic institution, only one aspirant could emerge victorious in any contest, expressing optimism that members would close ranks and work together for the success of the party in the forthcoming elections.

The statement added that a post-primary reconciliation mechanism had already been activated to ensure unity within the fold.

“The leadership of the party in the state is already working on a post-primary reconciliation drive and very soon, everyone will be on board to participate actively in our electioneering drive,” Sadare said.

The party added that it remained focused on mobilising support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reclaiming the Oyo State governorship seat in 2027.